by Terry Bearpark
The 101st Withernsea Carnival got under way last Saturday with plenty to see in Valley Gardens.
The warm weather attracted many visitors as DJ Leon and magician Stephen Brailsford kept them entertained with music, magic and dancing.
However, the main event was the crowning of the Carnival Royal Family and after the traditional walk around the gardens led by committee chairman John Patchett and accompanied by standard bearers from local youth organisations, Carnival Prince and Princess, Edward Hayton and Amira Amin, along with their attendants Ava and Lola Davison, Megan Pollard and Katie Palmer took to the stage to receive their crowns, coronets and sashes from Withernsea Town Mayor Cllr Alex Camplin.
After this part of the proceedings the royal party walked over to the Pier Towers for more photographs. The afternoon carried on with more entertainment on stage.
Sunday in the Valley Gardens was Community Showcase Day, with young rising stars Elevation opening the proceedings, followed by local artist Connor Penson and folk duo Stuart McLeod and Lesley Curtis. In the evening a family quiz was held at the Spread Eagle.
On Monday the action moved to the beach where there was enthusiastic help in the beach clean before visitors got creative with sandcastle building and pebble art. This was followed by the popular dig for treasure event, which saw tons of sand being moved in an effort to unearth the hidden treasure.
After a rest it was back to the Valley Gardens for probably the most popular event for youngsters, The Aqua Shoot-Out, where the idea was for everyone to get soaking wet, which was achieved.
The evening saw Charlotte’s Game Show at the Withernsea Boating Social Club, where contestants joined in the fun and tested their skills in an entertaining game show experience.
It was a slower pace on Tuesday when the lighthouse garden was the main venue. In the pleasantly warm weather visitors enjoyed Paul Derek’s Puppet Show, watching wood carver extraordinaire Allen Stichler, with many youngsters being given the chance to have a go, a messy tent, glitter tattoos, tombola and many stalls including a fascinating display of fossils.
Withernsea Golf Club hosted an evening of bingo for the children and darts for the adults, whilst local historian Wendy Graves led an interesting history walk around the town.
It was back to the Valley Gardens on Wednesday for a new carnival event, Roller Disco. A craft tent, messy tent and outdoor games helped entertain visitors and the evening saw a fascinating Blue Plaque Walk hosted by Darren England.
Today, Thursday, the place to be is The Hut on Station Road with wood carving, giant outdoor games, a treasure hunt and the tooth fairy. In the evening a walking treasure hunt with John and Leon starts at the Valley Gardens at 6pm.
On Friday Withernsea Library will host a morning event and the Italian Gardens will be the venue for more games and competitions while in the evening there will be silent discos at the Ozone Club in Princes Avenue.
The ever-popular Carnival Parade starts from the high school at 2pm and a car treasure hunt starts at The Hut at 4.30pm.
There are many events on Sunday in the Valley Gardens. For more details simply purchase a programme at just £1 at any of the events or from any committee member and also in many shops and outlets. These contain a wealth of information about the nine-day event and also give entry into the window spotting competition.